We’re going full Christmas mode with today’s cut file! Santa is making his list, and the kids are making theirs. Send those letters off in style with the help of this 3D Christmas mailbox!
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I’ve been asking my kids what they want for Christmas, and, last week, they decided to make their lists, and write their letters to Santa. When they were done, I remembered that my grandma use to have a special mailbox that we would put our letters in. I thought it was extra special and fun to mail my letter in a “special, magical” mailbox.
That memory is what inspired me to make my very own Christmas mailbox!
Supplies
- Cardstock
- Hot Glue
- A Brad/Paper Fastener
- Bone Folder (optional)
- Stamp Ink (optional)
- Ink Blending Tool (optional)
- A Cutting Machine or X-ACTO knife
- My Free Template
How to Make It
1. Use your cutting machine or X-ACTO knife, along with my template, to cut out all of the 3D Christmas mailbox pieces.
Note: If you are using the SVG files that includes the score lines, don’t forget to set them as such in Cricut Design Space and attach them to their shapes before sending through your cutting machine. I used a lime green color to mark the score lines, so hopefully that helps! If you’re having trouble with the score lines, check out this video.
Prepping & Layering
2. Optional: If you’d like to give your project a little bit more dimension, ink the edges of the snow, holly leaves, and bottom sides of your mailbox. (This is a common technique in the card making world, but it’s a new one for me—obviously, I had a lot of fun with it!)
Fold along the score lines to shape your holly leaves. Layer and glue your front and back pieces, along with your silver strips, mailbox flag, and holly.
Assembling the Mailbox
3. Attach your mailbox side and bottom pieces.
Start by gluing the tabs on the right side to the inside edge of the back piece. Repeat with the left side. Attach the bottom piece to the inside of the back piece and both side pieces.
4. Next, add your silver embellishment pieces to the back side by attaching them directly to the mailbox (Note: the back pieces differ slightly from the front ones because they don’t have any tabs on the long edges).
Then, make your front “lid” by folding in the tabs on your silver pieces and attaching them to the inside of your front piece, following the edge. Adhere the liner piece to cover the tabs and add strength to the lid.
5. Lastly, give your snow pieces a good bend, and then attach them to the top of your mailbox.
Fasten your flag using a brad/paper fastener.
Glue your holly bunches wherever you’d like, and you’re done!
The fun part about this project is that it’s totally functional! But, even if you just want to use it as decoration, it works beautifully for that purpose too. It’s super unique, and there are lots of lovely details to enjoy.
I use Adobe Illustrator for all of my designs, and a Cricut Maker to bring my creations to life. For tips on creating fun paper cuts like this one, see the FAQ section on my website. Also, be sure to check out the other holiday freebies available on my blog!
Enjoy making your very own 3D Christmas mailbox! I hope you have as much fun putting it together as I did. Be sure to share your festive final project with me on Instagram!
*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking through my links to make a purchase, you are supporting this blog and the hard work that goes into providing free, quality designs.
Bonnie
November 24, 2020 at 6:53 am (3 years ago)Hi. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful 3d svg designs with your readers. They are stunning and your directions easy to follow. Love this mailbox!
Mandee
November 24, 2020 at 8:43 am (3 years ago)Aww, thank you Bonnie! I’m so glad you like my work!! ❤️
Kat
November 24, 2020 at 8:28 am (3 years ago)This idea is just precious, especially the wonderful memories that will be made using your adorable mailbox. Thank you so much for sharing this lovely file and the wonderful story about your grandmother. Have a very happy Thanksgiving!
Mandee
November 24, 2020 at 8:45 am (3 years ago)Thank you so much! The best crafts are the ones that make memories, right? Happy thanksgiving to you as well!! 😊
Brenda Sullivan
November 24, 2020 at 11:59 am (3 years ago)You are an amazing young lady, I want to wish your entire family a happy and healthy holiday season and thank you so much for your designs they are amazing.
Mandee
November 24, 2020 at 2:58 pm (3 years ago)Aww, thank you Brenda! You are too sweet. I’m so glad you like my projects. 😊
I hope you have a wonderful holiday season as well!!
Brenda Sullivan
November 30, 2020 at 11:20 am (3 years ago)Mandee, just wanted to let you know how much your designed meant to my neighbor who is special. If you could have seen her face light up when I left this by her door. Your design put the biggest smile on her face and I know she will treasure this for a very long time.
Mandee
December 1, 2020 at 2:31 pm (3 years ago)Aww! This story literally made me clutch my heart with joy. It’s so special when crafting can bring happiness like this!! Thanks for taking the time to share that with me. ❤️
Germaine
November 24, 2020 at 5:09 pm (3 years ago)I love your designs – especially the Christmas designs – will you be making a Christmas Victorian House – love to see one – love this latest one the mailbox – I can’t wait to make it and put my spin on it – have a great day and a very Happy Thanksgiving
auntie em
December 1, 2020 at 2:42 am (3 years ago)Thank you! I love mailboxes. They always hold such interesting things. Sometimes its just bills or flyers but some days it is letters from the people we love. 🙂
Mandee
December 1, 2020 at 2:32 pm (3 years ago)The days we get letters from loved ones are definitely the best ones!
Patricia weimert
November 14, 2021 at 6:30 pm (2 years ago)Started making the mailbox. Is this suppose to be small or am I suppose to enlarge before ungrouping? TIA
Mandee
November 15, 2021 at 10:04 am (2 years ago)Hi Patricia! Sorry you are having trouble with the sizing. I’m not sure what program you are using, but the pieces should already be sized correctly. If your program is resizing the canvas, just know that the whole thing should be 24.7″x21″ (for the SVG file). Hope that helps!
Patricia weimert
November 15, 2021 at 11:25 am (2 years ago)I’m using design space. It came up 12×11.207. I’ll resize to your dimensions. Thanks a lot.
Maribel
January 27, 2022 at 1:35 pm (2 years ago)Hello Mandee! Thanks for sharing your talent with us, the not so talented. Some of your designs were used in my cousin’s baby shower, and everyone was in awe!!!
I have a question about this mailbox. What are the dimensions once is finished, with the measurements from the design?
Thank you
Mandee
January 27, 2022 at 3:58 pm (2 years ago)Aww, I’m flattered that my designs could be a part of such a special occasion!
This mailbox comes out to be about 4″ wide, 6″ tall, and 8.25″ deep. Hope that helps!